How to choose between nbn, satellite and 4G/5G backup
Each connection type solves a different problem. Start with your site, what has to stay online, and how quickly you need help when something breaks.
nbn, satellite internet and 4G/5G mobile backup are often compared as if one of them must win. In practice they solve different problems, and many business sites end up with two of them working together.
Start with what your site can get
The nbn technology at your address decides a lot. Fibre to the premises (FTTP) and HFC can usually deliver the full speed tier you pay for. Fibre to the node (FTTN) depends on the copper line to your building, so speeds vary more. Where the nbn is fixed wireless, or slow and unreliable, satellite internet is worth a look.
Then decide what must keep working
Write down the systems that stop the business when the internet drops: EFTPOS, phones, cloud accounting, bookings, security cameras. If an hour offline would cost you money or customers, plan a second connection on a different network, not just a faster first one.
How the options fit together
- nbn is the everyday connection for most sites: unlimited data, a static IP address and predictable monthly pricing.
- Satellite internet suits rural or hard-to-reach sites, and works as an independent path because it doesn't share the nbn's local network.
- 4G/5G backup takes over automatically when the main connection fails, so payments and phones keep going while the fault is fixed.
Get the support side right
The best design is the one someone can support. Before you order, know who you call when it stops working, who talks to the network provider, and how long a fix usually takes. If you'd like a second opinion on your site, send us the address and we'll tell you what we'd recommend.